3. Welcome
Dear Students,
We are very excited that you have chosen Alliant International University to
pursue your academic endeavors. The International Student Services and
Student Affairs staff is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you
may have with international student matters.
Our objective is to make your transition to California and school as smooth
as possible.
Our office will be able to assist you with the following:
n New Student Orientation
n Assistance with understanding the immigration rules and regulations that impacts you as an international
student. We are here to assist you with all immigration paperwork for program extensions, travel
endorsement, change of address, reinstatement, change of status, employment and moving to another
education level or school.
n Help with understanding the work authorization process for obtaining on or off campus employment.
n Assistance with Disability related questions and process.
Since everyone has a unique experience abroad, we cannot begin to address all of the possible surprises ahead of
you, however, we hope this orientation packet will answer many of the basic questions you may have and help
you get started on your stay with us. Iam certain you will find this packet to be a useful re-source throughout your
stay in the United States.
Again, feel free to let me know how my department can assist you during your years at Alliant International University. I
look forward to meeting you and working with you.
Lionel Remesha
Coordinator, International Student Services
Alliant International University
5. C ontents
1. Check in With your School 7
2. Some Important Definitions 7
1. Passport 7
2. Visa 7
3. Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status) 7
4. Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) 7
5. Concurrent Enrollment 8
6. Voluntary Departure and Deportation 8
7. Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status 8
8. Two-Year Residency Requirement 8
9. General Guidelines 8
3. Obtaining Your Student Visa 9
What exactly is a U.S. Visa? 9
Beginning the U.S. Visa Process 9
1. Schedule Your Visa Interview 9
2. Pay your SEVIS Fee 10
3. How to Prepare for the Visa Interview 10
4. Legal Status Information 10
Required Documentation 10
5. Online Resources for International Students 11
6. Alliant Campuses and nearest International Airport 12
7. Important matters to attend to once you arrive 12
8. My money has been delayed from home. What should I do? 13
9. Accessibility 13
Hearing Impaired 13
Physically Impaired 13
Visually Impaired 13
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) 13
Academic Listening & Speaking 14
10. How do I register for classes? 14
11. Get Connected 14
1.Health and Medical Care Insurance 14
Medical: 14
2. Work: On/Off Campus 14
3.Safety 14
Sensible Safety Tips 15
12. Adapting to your new surroundings 15
13. Contact information 17
7. International Student Handbook | Your Success atAlliant
n 7
1. Check in With your School
Once you have arrived to California, you must contact your Designated School Official as soon as possible and schedule
an appointment. Here are the Designated School Officials by campus:
CAMPUS
San Diego
DESIGNATED SCHOOL OFFICIAL
Lionel Remesha
PHONE
(858) 635-4564
EMAIL
lremesha@alliant.edu
Los Angeles Celia Lopez (626) 270-3311 clopez@alliant.edu
San Francisco Dr. Sureli Patel (415) 955-2167 skpatel@alliant.edu
Sacramento Penny Schafer (916) 561-3204 pschafer@alliant.edu
Fresno Lourie Rowe (559) 253-2292 lrowe@alliant.edu
Irvine Nicole Camaras (949) 812-7463 ncamaras@alliant.edu
2. Some Important Definitions
2.1. Passport
A document issued by your country of citizenship
proving your citizenship status and identity. Immigration
regulations require that your passport be valid for at
least six months into the future at all times. You could be
subject to deportation if your passport expires, so be
mindful of its expiration date and the procedures to have
it renewed.
2.2. Visa
A stamp that is put into your passport by a U.S.
Embassy of Consulate visa officer authorizing you to
apply for entrance into the U.S. Your visa indicates your
entrance status, the number of times you may apply
for entrance, and the expiration date of the visa. Some
visas are for a single entry; others may be used until the
visa’s expiration date. The visa may expire while you are
in the U.S. with no negative consequences, but you
need a new visa to re-enter after a trip outside the U.S.
It is not possible to renew a visa inside the U.S.; it must
be renewed at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside
the U.S. It is sometimes difficult to renew a visa in a
country other than your home country.
2.3. FormI-20(Certificate ofEligibility for
Non-Immigrant(F-1)Student Status)
A form issued by U.S. educational institutions, that
certifies that the student named on it has been accepted
for a full-time course of study and is eligible for an F-1
visa to enter the U.S., and to apply for F-2 visas for
dependents of the F-1, and to re-enter the U.S. after a
trip outside the country.
2.4. FormI-94(Arrival-Departure Record)
A white card is issued to visitors at the port of entry to
the U.S. and is stapled to your passport near the visa. It
is a very important document. It indicates that you have
authorization to be in the U.S. and the length of time
you may remain. The ending date of your permission to
remain in the U.S. is written on the front or back of the
form. D/S notation on your I-94 card means Duration
of Status and gives you permission to stay until the end
of the current academic program. J-1 and visitors may
have a specified ending date. Visitors may apply for an
extension of stay if they want to remain longer.
8. ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
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2.5. Concurrent Enrollment
The USCIS permits F-1 visa students to enroll at
another academic institution provided the student is
enrolled in a degree program at one university; the
combined enrollment must be equal to a full course of
study; the course work at the other institution must be
acceptable toward the degree; the other institution must
be authorized by DHS to issue Form I-20. If you would
like to enroll in another school while attending Alliant,
you must contact the Registrar’s office and complete a
request form.
2.6. VoluntaryDeparture and Deportation
In rare cases, the DHS decides that a visitor must leave
the U.S. Visitors are usually given the option of
voluntary departure, and have between 10 days and 2
weeks in which to leave. Voluntary departure orders may
be appealed, or the visitor may ask for an extension.
Deportation is more serious, usually following conviction
for certain crimes or willful violation of some regulations.
Those deported are forcibly removed and are not allowed
to re-enter the U.S. for a period of years. While an ISSO
advisor can help visitors who have been given Voluntary
Departure, a visitor with a Deportation Order is well
advised to consult an attorney unless the visitor is willing
to leave the U.S.
2.7. FormDS-2019 (Certificate ofEligibility for
ExchangeVisitor (J-1) Status
A form, issued by the school of sponsoring agency,
which certifies that the scholar or student is eligible
for the J-1 visa. It specifies exactly what the scholar
or student will be doing at the educational institution
and is valid for a specified period of time. Totransfer
schools, for permission to work, and extension of stay,
consult the ISSO for information.
8. Two-YearResidency Requirement
Certain Exchange Visitors must return to their country of
legal permanent residence for two years before becoming
eligible to change their visa status in the U.S. or to apply
for permanent residency. This requirement applies to
Exchange Visitors whose stay in the U.S. has been
financed in whole or in part by the U.S. government or
home government, or whose fields of study are indicated
in the Exchange Visitors Skills List.
9. General Guidelines
n Print legibly when completing any DHS form.
Illegible forms will not be processed.
n Make sure your current address is on the DHS
forms. If you move, you must notify the DHS on
Form AR-11 within 10 days of the move (You also
must notify the Post Office, Alliant’s Registrar’s
Office, and the ISSO about your change of address).
Always be completely truthful when completing DHS
forms. Penalties for dishonesty are very serious. Also
be honest when dealing with any DHS or other U.S.
government official.
9. International Student Handbook | Your Success atAlliant
n 9
3. Obtaining Your Student Visa
All international students, except those who are U.S
citizens and green card holders, willing to study in the
U.S will need the following to obtain a visa:
1. Valid passport (issued by your government) and valid
for at least three years
2. Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form issued by Alliant
International University)
What exactlyis aU.S. Visa?
A visa is not permission to enter the U.S. A visa does
not give you permission to stay in the U.S. A visa gives
you permission to arrive at a U.S. border and ask for
permission to enter the country. The person who makes
the final decision allowing you to stay in the U.S. is the
Customs Officer. The Customs Officer will record his/her
decision on a small, paper form called an I-94. That is
the form that actually gives you permission to be in U.S.
territory.
Here is a quick summary:
1. Your passport allows you to leave your country and
then return to it.
2. Your visa allows you to arrive at a U.S. port of entry
and ask for permission to enter the U.S.
3. Your I-20 says you have a valid reason for being in
the U.S. during the dates listed on it as long as you
follow its limits and requirements.
4. Your I-94 says a customs officer saw your visa and
decided to allow you to enter the U.S. It also says
that he/she saw your I-20 and has agreed to let you
stay in the U.S. The Customs Officer can use the
I-94 add his/her own limits to the I-20.
BeginningtheU.S. Visa Process
The process begins with obtaining an I-20 Certificate
of Eligibility form. You must complete the Alliant
International University Declaration of Finances Form
in order to obtain your I-20 form. This demonstrates
that you have the ability and the intent to support
yourself financially for the entirety of the Alliant degree
program. For each source of funds (including personal
savings, family, friends, scholarships, loans, government
agencies, employers, or other outside sponsors), you will
need to submit proof of the exact amount available and
committed to your education.
Attach an official, original document from each funding
source specifying the exact amount of committed funds.
For personal or family funds, this confirmation can be:
n A letter from a bank verifying your personal
assets. All resources must be liquid; projected or
potential earnings cannot be considered as financial
resources.
n A certified bank statement with your current
account information
n A commitment letter from a family member,
supported by a certified letter from a bank or other
third party verifying that the resources committed
are available. If your degree is sponsored by
your employer, you will need to provide a written
statement of commitment from the sponsoring
employer, supported by a certified letter from a bank
or other third party verifying that the resources
committed are available. Note: All financial
documents must be in English.
3.1. Schedule YourVisa Interview
As soon as Alliant International University prepares
your I-20 form, Student Services will inform you of your
form’s SEVIS ID number. You can use this ID number to
make an appointment with your local U.S. Consulate.
An interview at the U.S. Consulate or embassy is
required in most countries as part of the visa process.
We suggest that you make an appointment for the
interview as soon as you receive your SEVIS ID number
to avoid unnecessary delays in getting your visa. Please
note that in some countries there is a one to two month
interview appointment wait time.
The earliest possible interview date you can have is
120 days prior to Orientation. Tofind your local U.S.
Embassy please visit: http://www.usembassy.gov
For estimated wait times at U.S. Embassies please visit:
http://travel.state.gov
10. ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
3.2. PayyourSEVIS Fee
A SEVIS I-901 fee of USD $200 is required of all
students and exchange visitors. You will need proof that
the I-901 fee was paid to be granted a visa, so be sure
to bring your receipt to your interview. You can pay this
fee via the USCIS website or by mail. Paying via the
website is recommended as it will immediately generate
the receipt required for the visa interview. Paying the fee
via mail can take up to 4 weeks to receive the receipt.
For more information visit: https://www.fmjfee.com/
i901fee/ students/student/help.htm
3.3. How toPrepare fortheVisa Interview
Sign Section 11 of your I-20, and take it to the U.S.
Embassy or Consulate in your country with copies of the
documents that support your ability to pay your costs.
Check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your
country to see how long it will take to process your visa.
When you apply for a visa to enter the U.S. it is
important that you have all the required documents
when you present your application to the consular
official. These documents include: Visa certificate of
eligibility (I-20)
n Proof of funding
n SEVIS fee receipt
n Photographs
Consulates may have country-specific requirements,
please be sure to visit the consulate’s website. You
may find a list of US consulates at:
http://usembassy.state.gov/
n Be ready to answer questions concerning the
duration of your stay at the U.S
n How you will apply your academic experience when
you will be back to your home country.
n Why you choose to study at Alliant International
University.
4. Legal Status Information
RequiredDocumentation
The I-20 form is the certificate of eligibility for an F-1
student. It is used to secure a visa and to enter the
United States. The I-20 form is an indication to the
consular officer that Alliant International University has
found you to be academically admissible, financially
capable, and linguistically prepared for your studies
here. You should contact the nearest U.S. Consulate
in your home country to obtain specific information
on applying for the visa. Begin the process as early as
possible. A visa cannot be issued more than 120 days
before the program start date and you cannot enter the
country more than 30 days before the program start
date. You should think of the visa as a ticket to come
inside the United States. Although visas have expiration
dates, these dates are not relevant to how long you are
permitted to remain in the country. The duration of your
stay here is determined by the maintenance of your F-1
student status. See below for more on travel and visas.
It is your responsibility to maintain your status: You
must attend the school for which your I-20 was issued.
n You must maintain a full course of study, and
complete each semester with a full course load.
(Alliant requires a minimum of 8 units per term
during Fall and Spring terms).
n You must keep your I-20 in a safe place. Do not
lose it.
n You must have a valid passport. It is your
responsibility to keep your passport valid and to
renew it six months prior to its expiration date.
n You are required to carry documents regarding your
nationality and immigration status at all times. To
avoid loss of your originals, we recommend you
always carry your passport, visa, I-20, and I-94
(departure record which will be stapled to your
passport upon reaching the Passport Control at
the airport)
n You must notify the school of any change in your
address within 10 days of the change. Submit a
Change of Address form to the Registrar’s Office
and give a copy of the form to Student Services
Coordinator. The address cannot be a post office box.
n 10
11. International Student Handbook | Your Success atAlliant
n 11
n You must limit authorized employment to no more
than 20 hours/week while school is in session.
n You must not accept off campus employment
without proper authorization.
If you become out of status for any of the above reasons,
it is your responsibility to try to get reinstated. Please
contact the Designated School Official at your campus
for more information about the Reinstatement of your
status. When you come into the U.S., it is a good idea to
bring with you any important documents or copies of
documents that relate to your identification, academic,
medical and legal history. Below is an example of list of
documents. Proof of admission to Alliant International
University (offer letter, Certificate of Finance copy, bank
letters, etc). Make sure to bring them with you every
time you enter the U.S.
n Official transcripts from secondary schools, colleges,
or universities
n Marriage certificate(s)
n Birth certificates for yourself, child(ren) and spouse
n International driver’s license or a driver’s license
from your home country
n Medical and dental records, including certificates of
immunizations and vaccinations
n Information about medical conditions or treatments,
prescriptions for medication and eyeglasses
n Letters of reference which may be useful when
renting a house/apartment
5. Online Resources for
International Students
Education USA: https://www.educationusa.info/
Study in USA: http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/
12. ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
n 12
7. Important matters to attend to
once you arrive
Once you have arrived to California, you must contact
your Designated School Official as soon as possible and
schedule an appointment.
You must maintain full-time student status each
academic term as specified by the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS). For graduates, the load is
eight or more required units.
On-campus employment is allowed; however, off-campus
employment must be authorized by International Students
Services or USCIS. Unauthorized employment is grounds
for deportation.
If you leave and then re-enterthe U.S., you must
present a valid passport, visa and properly endorsed
I-20 upon re-entry.
Keep your ISSO file complete and up to date. Notify the
DSO when changes occur in your marital status, major,
address, visa status, when you withdraw from school,
and if you transfer to an-other school.
The United States, like all other nations, has laws to
regulate the entrance and travel of citizens of other
countries who come to visit. International students are
subject to those laws. In this section we have tried to
summarize most of the regulations that affect you. We
strongly recommend that you read through this material
and keep it for your reference. You will find that it
6. Alliant Campuses and nearest International Airport
CAMPUS
San Diego
ADDRESS
10455 Pomerado Road
NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
San Diego International Airport
San Diego, CA 92131
Los Angeles 1000 South Fremont, Unit 5
Alhambra, CA 91803
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco One Beach Street, Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94133
San Francisco International Airport
Sacramento 2030 West El Camino Ave. Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95833
Sacramento International Airport
Fresno 5130 E. Clinton Way
Fresno, CA 93727
Fresno International Airport
Irvine 2855 Michelle Drive, Suite 300
Irvine, CA 92606
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
13. ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
n 13
answers most of your questions about U.S. immigration
regulations and procedures. Consult an advisor in the
ISSO for more information.
Note that when applying for field placements in
programs where internships are required, international
students should be aware that they may be ineligible for
stipends that are available to other students.
8. My money has been delayed
from home. What should I do?
Many countries require official university certification of
expenses before authorizing transfer of funds to the U.S.
Upon request, the ISSO can issue all official certifications.
Please request such documents in a timely manner to
insure that ad-equate funding is available to you when
bills are due.
9. Accessibility
Description of the on-campus facilities available to
students with special needs:
HearingImpaired
We have a variety of services for hearing impaired
student. In class note takers is one of the most
frequently used accommodation. We have American
Sign Language translators that we can contract. We also
have speech to text software at our disposal.
Physically Impaired
Buildings and bathrooms are handicap accessible.
Also, handicapped parking spaces are available close
to the many of the buildings that the student’s classes
are located in. If need be, classes can be moved to a
different location that is more accessible. Classrooms
can be rearranged to accommodate students better. If
need be, the use of a golf cart to transport students from
one location to another is possible.
Visually Impaired
Besides accommodations that have already been listed
above the visually impaired specific accommodations are;
books in accessible format and text to speech software.
Please note that students are evaluated on a case by
case basis, if other accommodations are needed, the
university will try to accommodate the student as best
as possible.
English forSpeakersof Other Languages (ESL)
The International Language Education and Center (ILEC)
at Alliant International University offers English language
courses for non-native speakers of English.
The ILEC English language program assists students in
developing the English skills that are necessary for the
successful completion of university undergraduate and
graduate course work. The courses in the ESL program
have been designed to develop English language
skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, from
intermediate to advanced proficiency levels. The length
of study in the ESL program varies according to the
student’s entrance level, with most students completing
the English program within one year. Each competency
level requires one semester of intensive study.
Taking the Alliant English Proficiency Test (EPT) is an
admissions requirement for all international students
who do not meet the TOEFL requirement listed for their
specific academic program. The exam is taken prior to
first-time registration and is offered on the San Diego
campus during the orientation period each semester.
Based on EPT results, students will be: assigned to
one or more ESL courses, or allowed to begin their
degree program immediately. The English Proficiency
Test measures a student’s abilities in reading, grammar,
writing, listening and speaking skills. Each skill is
evaluated separately; therefore, students may place at
different levels in different skill areas.
All ESL courses are 3 non-credit units. ESL course
units do not apply toward a student’s academic degree
requirements. However, ESL course units satisfy
international student visa requirements. A full-time ESL
course load is four classes per semester. A student at
the highest proficiency level who has less than a full
ESL course load may take a combination of ESL and
academic classes as follows:
n 3 ESL courses and 1 academic course
n 2 ESL courses and 2 academic courses
n 1 ESL course and 3 academic courses
14. International Student Handbook | Your Success atAlliant
n 14
Academic Listening& Speaking
This course prepares students for the listening and
speaking demands of English medium academic
courses. Students will strengthen their academic
listening comprehension abilities, develop their lecture
note-taking skills, and be able to engage in meaningful
discussion on course topics. Students will also improve
their ability to make themselves understood by listeners,
use proper stress, rhythm and intonation patterns, and
properly use both formal and informal language. At the
discourse level, students will develop critical thinking
skills as they analyze, summarize and synthesize
information, engage in discussions and debates, and
prepare and deliver oral presentations.
10. How do I register for classes?
Every student enrolling at Alliant is advised by an
academic advisor. An advisor is located in your school
or academic department. Your advisor will counsel you
in your courses and will register you for your classes.
Registration is not complete, however, until all fees and
tuition are paid. Your registration may be canceled for
the following reasons:
n Dishonored check.
n Non-payment of fees and tuition before classes begin.
n Non-payment of tuition installments.
11. Get Connected
11.1. Health andMedical Care Insurance
Anyone who does not have insurance from his or her
home country will need to purchase insurance while in
the United States.
There are several different types of insurance available.
However, a general medical insurance is the most
important to obtain. The other types of insurance are
optional and depend on personal needs.
Medical:
Alliant requires all international students to carry
medical insurance. International students are
automatically charged for the policy available through
Alliant and Kaiser Permanent, This HMO plan provides
comprehensive and continuous coverage that lasts year
around. The plan is not just for you but also for your
dependents. For an additional cost you can cover a
spouse, registered domestic partner, and/or your children.
If you have your own insurance, you have the option of
waiving the school’s insurance. In order to not be billed,
you must complete the online waiver by the set deadline
each semester. Detailed information is e-mailed to
students’ Alliant email account every semester.
11.2. Work:On/Off Campus
Immigration regulations are very strict with respect to
working while carrying a student visa. F-1 status allows
for part-time, on-campus employment ONLY (20 hours/
week orless while school is in session). During school
breaks you may work up to 40 hours per week provided
such on-campus work is available). In order to apply
for on campus employment, you must have a Social
Security card.
Jobs on campus typically do not pay much ($12/hour),
and certainly not enough to finance your education.
Do not count on this kind of a job for anything more
than a supplement to other funds. Also, do not assume
you will be able to obtain a job on campus. Often there
are more students than available jobs.
You do have the option of curricular practical training
which allows you to receive stipends or pay for
practicum or internship experiences required by the
program. Be aware however, that paid practicum and
internships are rare. Also, curricular training requires
approval by the Designated School Officials (DSO).
Please contact your Designated School Officials if you
have any questions regarding this matter. Working off
campus must be approved by the Bureau of Citizenship
and Immigration Services (BCIS). Such approval is only
for highly unusual circumstances, and often takes
months of paperwork. Most requests for off campus
employment are denied.
11.3. Safety
International students and their families sometimes
perceive life in the United States, especially at universities
and colleges, as dangerous. This perception is heightened
15. ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
n 15
by international media coverage of violent incidents,
which fortunately occur very infrequently. Universities
and colleges in the United States want to provide you
with a safe and secure environment in which to pursue
your academic and social goals.
Better safe than sorry, goes the American saying.
Alliant International University is very safe; however you
can never be too careful. You should adhere to the
following safety precautions while attending classes and
while on your own:
Sensible Safety Tips
n Ask fellow students or staff members about areas
you should avoid at night.
n Know where emergency telephones and public
telephone booths are located.
n Do not carry more money than necessary. If
possible, use checks when large sums are needed.
Do not display money or credit cards openly.
n Do not carry important documents with you such as
your passport, unless it is absolutely necessary.
(You are required to carry copies of your documents
at all times.)
n Do not allow strangers to enter your apartment or
building. Do not prop open entry doors to your
building, as they may enable strangers to enter the
building.
n Report broken locks, windows and doors, as well as
lights that are burned out to your landlord.
n Keep emergency numbers near your phone at home
(911 is the general emergency number to connect
you with the police, fire department, or an
ambulance)
n Identify the hospital Emergency Room nearest to
your home and know what to do in case of an
emergency.
n If you receive obscene or harassing phone calls, hang
up immediately. If the calls persist, call the police.
n Make sure all fire and smoke alarms in your
apartment are in working order. Test them on a
regular basis. If you are not sure how to do this,
ask your landlord.
12. Adapting to your new
surroundings
Culture shock is not quite as shocking or as sudden as
most people expect. It is part of the process of learning a
new culture that is called cultural adaptation. Most
people experience some discomfort before they are able
to function well in a new setting. This discomfort is the
culture shock stage of the adaptation process. The main
thing to remember is that this is a very normal process
that nearly everyone goes through.
Anticipating future events and possibilities makes
it easier to deal with them when they happen. For
example, it helps to anticipate your initial departure and
plan ways to maintain relationships with people at home
while you are away. Be sure to allow ample time to say
goodbye to all the people who are important to you, and
plan how to keep in touch. This assures people that you
will continue to care about them.
Some surprises always await you when you arrive in
a new place. People may walk and talk more quickly,
traffic patterns may be confusing, and buildings may
look different than expected. Such differences are easy
to see and quickly learned.
Studying abroad means making big changes in your
daily life. Generations of students have found that they
go through a predictable series of stages as they adjust
to living abroad.
At first, although the new situation is a bit confusing,
most students also find it to be exhilarating, a time of
new experiences, sights, sounds, and activities. With
so much to learn and absorb in the new culture, the
initial period of settling in often seems like an adventure.
During this time you will tend to look for and identify
similarities between your home culture and your host
culture. You will find people really are friendly and
helpful. The procedures are different, but there are
patterns, things that you can learn and depend on.
Your cultural comfort level will vary over time as you
move in and out of your home culture.
Gradually, as you become more involved in activities and
get to know the people around you, differences—rather
than similarities—will become increasingly apparent
16. International Student Handbook | Your Success atAlliant
n 16
to you. Those differences may begin to seem more
irritating than interesting or quaint. Small incidents and
difficulties may make you anxious and concerned about
how best to carry on with academic and social life. As
these differences emerge, they can be troubling and
sometimes shocking. But culture shock does not happen
all at once. It is a feeling that grows little by little as you
interact with other students, faculty and people in the
community.
For many this gradual process culminates in an emotional
state known as culture shock, although it is seldom as
dramatic as the term applies. The common symptoms of
culture shock are:
n Extreme homesickness
n Desire to avoid social settings that seem threatening
or unpleasant
n Physical complaints and sleep disturbances
n Depression and feelings of helplessness
n Difficulty with course work and concentration
n Loss of your sense of humor
n Boredom or fatigue
n Hostility toward the host country
Students are sometimes unaware of the fact that they
are experiencing culture shock when these symptoms
occur. There are ways to deal with this period of culture
shock, so it helps to recognize that culture shock may
lie behind physical symptoms and irritability. The most
effective way to combat culture shock is to step back
from an event that has bothered you, assess it, and
search for an appropriate explanation and response. Try
the following:
n Observe how others are acting in the same situations
n Describe the situation, what it means to you, and
your response to it
n Ask local residents how they would have handled
the situation and what it means in the host culture
n Plan how you might act in this or similar situations
in the future
n Test the new behavior and evaluate how well it
works
n Decide how you can apply what you have learned the
next time you find yourself in a similar situation.
Throughout the period of cultural adaptation, take good
care of yourself. Read a book or rent a video in your
home language, take a short trip if possible, exercise
and get plenty of rest, write a letter, or telephone home,
eat good food, and do things you enjoy with friends.
Take special notice of things you enjoy about living in
the host country.
Although it can be disconcerting and a little scary,
the shock gradually eases as you begin to understand
the new culture. It is useful to realize that often the
reactions and perceptions of others toward you—and
you toward them—are not personal evaluations but are
based on a clash of cultural values. The more skilled you
become in recognizing how and when cultural values
and behaviors are likely to come in conflict, the easier it
becomes to make adjustments that can help you avoid
serious difficulties.
Students experiencing academic difficulties because
of the above should feel free to see their academic
advisor or Director. Also remember that there are other
international students around you that may share some
of these feelings, which may be helpful. And finally,
many of the students on campus are happy to assist
you in any way they can, and especially in answering
questions about the United States in general.
17. ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
n 17
13. Contact information
If you have any questions regarding international student matters please contact the Designated School Officials located
at your campus:
CAMPUS
San Diego
DESIGNATED SCHOOL OFFICIAL
Lionel Remesha
PHONE
(858) 635-4564
EMAIL
lremesha@alliant.edu
Los Angeles Celia Lopez (626) 270-3311 clopez@alliant.edu
San Francisco Dr. Sureli Patel (415) 955-2167 skpatel@alliant.edu
Sacramento Penny Schafer (916) 561-3204 pschafer@alliant.edu
Fresno Lourie Rowe (559) 253-2292 lrowe@alliant.edu
Irvine Nicole Camaras (949) 812-7463 ncamaras@alliant.edu
Alliant International University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its
programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age,
marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.